William Jefferson "Jeff" Hulsey

WILLIAM JEFFERSON "JEFF" HULSEY, age 89 Mt. Airy, GA passed away Saturday, December 5, 2009. Mr. Hulsey was born on January 10, 1920, in Habersham County, GA, to the late William Ezra and Eunice Perry Hulsey. He was also preceded in death by his brother Herbert Hulsey and son-in-law, Jerry Pruitt. Mr. Hulsey was a graduate of Cornelia High School and was the salutatorian of his class. He was a United States Army World War II Veteran having served in the 483rd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Group. Mr. Hulsey's tour of duty was in the South Pacific, including Iwo Jima where he was present both times for the now famous scene of the flags being raised. He was a self employed heavy equipment operator and owner of Georgia Mountain Peach Orchard. Mr. Hulsey was a member of the Welcome Home Baptist Church, having served as a deacon and as a Sunday school teacher for over 50 years. He was known for his compassion and love for people. Survivors include his beloved wife of 68 years, Rosa Belle Garrett Hulsey, Mt. Airy; daughters and sons-in-law, Rosalyn and Henry Brown and Regenia and Billy Haygood, both of Mt. Airy; daughter, Debbie Pruitt, Mt. Airy; son and daughter-in-law, Phillip and Nina Hulsey, Mt. Airy; sisters, Clara Rudeseal and Thenia Tilson, both Mt. Airy, Margie Barnett, NC, and Jean Purcell, Winterville; brothers, Rudolph, Minuard and Julian Hulsey, all of Mt. Airy, Everett Hulsey, Athens; 15 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild and numerous others who considered him as theirs. The home going of Jeff Hulsey will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, GA with Rev. Larry Ryals officiating. Burial will follow in the Yonah Memorial Gardens with full military honors provided by the American Legion Post # 84, Rabun County DAV Chapter 15 and the Grant Reeves VFW Post 7720. The family will receive friends from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Monday, December 7, 2009 at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, GA. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to someone in need. Those who wish to express condolences to the family may do so by visiting www.whitfieldfuenralhomes.com. Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, GA is in charge of the arrangements.